Benefactor of Sandy Murphy, businessman William Fuller dies

The mystery man who took the Las Vegas spotlight when he offered to foot the legal fees of slaying suspect Sandy Murphy died Monday after a series of ailments triggered by a head injury, friends said.

July 31, 2008 - 9:00 pm

2877611

The mystery man who took the Las Vegas spotlight when he offered to foot the legal fees of slaying suspect Sandy Murphy died Monday after a series of ailments triggered by a head injury, friends said.

William Fuller died in St. John’s Hospital in Santa Monica, Calif., after suffering a heart attack over the weekend, longtime friend John Prendeville said.

Fuller injected himself into the media circus spawned by the high-profile trial of Murphy, who, with boyfriend Rick Tabish, was accused of drugging and killing casino mogul Ted Binion in 1998. Fuller posted $300,000 cash bail for Murphy and paid at least $150,000 in legal fees.

His sudden relationship with Murphy sparked speculation that the two were involved or that Murphy was simply a gold digger.

Prendeville said neither rumor was true.

“He believed Sandy had an unfair shake because the case was sensationalized in the media,” Prendeville said. “He believed in justice and took interest in her case. He wanted to help her out.”

Prendeville said Fuller was not bothered by those who questioned the circumstances surrounding his relationship with Murphy. “Perhaps he quietly enjoyed it for a little while.”

Murphy was found guilty of the charges and sentenced to life in prison. But the conviction was overturned by the state’s high court, and in 2004, the Southern California native was acquitted.

Fuller first took interest in Murphy’s case when he saw her on the television news.

“He saw Sandy Murphy come out of the police van shackled and being tugged” by an officer, Prendeville said. “He felt like that wasn’t the right way to treat a woman. He felt she was not getting a fair trial.”

Prendeville could not confirm rumors that Fuller left part of his estate to Murphy.

“What he left to whom, I never once inquired about that,” he said.

Before he became known to Las Vegans, Fuller was well-known in England, where he owned a construction company that employed more than 3,000 workers. He operated about 26 nightclubs in the United States, England and Ireland, Prendeville said.

Perhaps Fuller’s most famous club is The Buffalo, a Camden Town, England, establishment where popular bands such as U2 and Public Enemy have performed.

Fuller was an amateur wrestler and a boxing promoter. Even at age 89, he was known to pound on a punching bag in his backyard to release his frustrations, Prendeville said.

Fuller first suffered a head injury in March, then fell in his California home on two occasions. The injuries led to a broken vertebrae.

“Ultimately we don’t know what the manner or cause of death is,” Prendeville said. “I was shocked. I thought he would live on forever. He was a wonderful, wonderful character, and I’m really sorry to lose him.”

Services for Fuller have been scheduled for 10 a.m. Monday at the Guardian Angel Cathedral, 302 Cathedral Way.

Students at Tate Elementary in Las Vegas has benefited from a program to boost education funding in targeted student populations, known as categorical funding. One program called Zoom helps students who have fallen below grade level in reading. (K.M. Cannon/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @KMCannonPhoto

Three Square helps TSA workers

Three Square Food Bank donated over 400 care bags to TSA workers affected by the government shutdown Wednesday, filled with food, personal hygiene products and water.

Las Vegas furniture store donates to Clark County firehouses

Walker Furniture donated new mattresses to all 30 Clark County firehouses in the Las Vegas Valley, starting today with Station 22. (Mat Luschek/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Six hours after the fact, Las Vegas homicide detectives worked to reconstruct the scene of a shooting early Jan. 7 that left one man dead in the southeast valley. (Rio Lacanlale/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Dyer Lawrence explains college football playoff system proposal

Las Vegan Dyer Lawrence has a new idea for a college football playoff system that includes a unique scheduling component called National Call Out Day. (Ron Kantowski/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Death row inmate Scott Dozier found dead in his cell

Nevada death row inmate Scott Dozier is dead. Dozier’s death ends his legal odyssey, which began in 2007 when he was convicted in the 2002 murder of Jeremiah Miller, but does little to clarify what’s next for Nevada’s death penalty.

Visitors staying at the Furnace Creek Campground were forced to move from the campground following health and safety concerns due to lack of resources during the partial government shutdown at Death Valley National Park in Calif., on Friday, Jan. 4, 2019. Richard Brian Las Vegas Review-Journal @vegasphotograph

Half of homicides in Henderson for 2018 domestic violence related

Lt. Kirk Moore of the public information office of the city of Henderson police department speaks to the Review-Journal in Henderson, Thursday, Jan. 3, 2019. Henderson saw a slight increase in homicides in the past year. (Rachel Aston/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Governor-elect Steve Sisolak stops by Las Vegas Boys and Girls Club

Governor-elect Steve Sisolak kicks off his tour to Carson City, which will take him from Las Vegas, through Tonopah, and up to the capital city. First stop is the Downtown Boys & Girls Club.

Certificates for renewing wedding vows in Clark County

The Marriage License Bureau in Clark County began issuing a Certificate of Vow Renewal to married couples who are renewing their wedding vows on Jan. 3, 2019. (Shea Johnson/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Las Vegas flu season better than last year (so far)

Dr. Fermin Leguen, chief medical officer and director of clinical services at the Southern Nevada Health District, said there were 24 flu-related deaths at this point in the flu season. No deaths have been reported so far this year. (K.M. Cannon/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @KMCannonPhoto

The Las Vegas Valley’s First Baby of 2019

The first 2019 baby in the Las Vegas Valley was Melialani Chihiro Manning, born at 12:10 a.m. at Henderson Hospital. (Briana Erickson/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Las Vegas NYE Fireworks - VIDEO

The full show: A spectacular view from the rooftop of the Trump International Hotel as 80,000 pyrotechnics illuminated the Las Vegas Strip at the stroke of midnight. Fireworks by Grucci choreographed launches from the Stratosphere, the Venetian, Treasure Island, Caesars Palace, Planet Hollywood, Aria and MGM Grand.

Snow in Henderson on New Year's Eve morning

Light snow flurries in Anthem Highlands in Henderson on Monday morning, the last day of 2018.

Sources: Henderson Constable may face more charges

Henderson Constable Earl Mitchell may face additional charges ... stemming from his spending of county funds, sources said. Mitchell was indicted earlier this month on five felony theft and fraud charges ... after a Las Vegas Review-Journal story questioned his spending. But grand jury records show even more extensive spending including ... an $800 dinner at steakhouse ... nearly 200 atm withdrawals mostly at gambling establishments ... and even Disneyland tickets. But his attorney plans to ask a judge to dismiss the charges.

Las Vegas NYE Restrictions and Enhanced Security

If you are planning to celebrate New Year's Eve on the Las Vegas Strip or Fremont Street, be aware that you are not allowed to bring backpacks, coolers, strollers or glass. There will also be an increase in security to ensure safe celebrations across town.

Bob and Sandy Ellis of Henderson, who donate to several Clark County School District schools, have added Matt Kelly Elementary in Las Vegas to their list of schools where every student gets new shoes, socks and a toy. (K.M. Cannon/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Jeffrey Martin Added To Nevada's Black Book

Martin was one of four men convicted of theft and cheating at gambling in 2016 in Clark County District Court and sentenced to prison. The Nevada Gaming Commission voted unanimously Thursday to include Martin in the black book.

Raiders Stadium Timelapse

Construction on the new Raiders stadium continues in Las Vegas.

Buffalo Wild Wings security video

Security footage from a Buffalo Wild Wings restaurant in southwest Las Vegas captured a driver who repeatedly crashed into a vehicle in a failed attempt to squeeze into a tight parking spot.

The Magical Forest at Opportunity Village

Opportunity Village's Magical Forest added 1 million lights and a synchronized music show visible from all over the forest this year. The holiday attraction, which began in 1991, has a train, rides, food and entertainment along with the light displays. (Heidi Knapp Rinella/Las Vegas Review-Journal)